Competition

Good to know

The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring
or simply drop.

There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.

Summary

We spent 9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

8
reasons to buy

Runners were generally impressed with the performance of the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8.

This running shoe felt suitably lightweight, according to several testers.

The design gained some fans; they wrote that the façade of this product was visually appealing.

Many consumers agreed that it was true-to-size.

The rubber compound used in the outsole unit received recognition from runners who wrote that it was durable and efficient.

Those who have tried this shoe lauded its general durability.

A reviewer stated that the Endofit system in the upper engulfed the foot perfectly and comfortably.

The upper unit was able to withstand light splashes of water, commented a tester.

3
reasons not to buy

The upper of the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 wasn’t as breathable as advertised, a runner complained.

The general feedback about this shoe’s price was that it was expensive.

The underfoot platform felt a bit too firm, commented a consumer.

Bottom line

Many runners were able to enjoy the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8. For them, it performed well on various trail surfaces. They also noted that this neutral shoe looked appealing. Its contemporary design managed to win the hearts of consumers, though some of them felt that its price left a lot to be desired. A few also had some concerns with some of its components.

The Salomon SLAB Wings 8 looks to be a subtle, but well thought out update to last years Salomon SLAB Wings. The minor details that have received upgrades will be welcome to those that really liked last years model.

Compared with the options above, the Wings 8 is faster and more stable than the Bushido while weighing the same as the less capable Altra Lone Peak. If you have the cash and need a race shoe for rugged trails, give the Wings 8 a serious look.

Updates to Salomon S-Lab Wings 8

The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 is a running shoe that’s created for varied trail surfaces. It functions as a racing and an up-tempo training companion. It has a unisex design, which means that its weight profile and its dimensions are able to accommodate both men and women. And though it only has one color scheme, it’s still vibrant and endearing.

The mesh material that’s used for the upper unit of this running shoe is stretchable. It wraps around the foot securely, but it doesn’t limit its movements. It’s also lightweight and breathable. Durable Kevlar fibers make up the strands for the Quicklace system. They’re thin, but strong and adaptable. The interior sleeve has a sock-like design that staves off skin irritation.

The underfoot foam units that are present in the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 offer responsive and comfortable cushioning. They’re firm, but not unwieldy. Ultimately, the platform allows the runner to experience a fast and energized performance. Moreover, a thin layer of TPU protects the foot from debris and other potential hazards on the trail.

The outsole unit has a rubber technology that’s durable and sticky. It latches onto the surfaces securely and it doesn’t slip off easily. Multidirectional gripping lugs heighten the grip. Furthermore, this layer is able to deliver traction on dry and wet ground.

Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 size and fit

The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 has a standard running shoe sizing scheme. The unisex construction accommodates the sizing preferences of both men and women. The available width is medium. It welcomes those who have medium sized feet. The natural curvature of the human foot is mimicked by this shoe’s semi-curved shape.

Outsole

The outsole unit of the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 makes use of the Premium Wet Traction Contagrip. It’s a high-quality material that’s capable of delivering traction and protection. It acts as a shield against debris and the surfaces, preserving the structural integrity of the underfoot platform.

Multidirectional gripping lugs pockmark the surface of the sole unit. They heighten surface grip by latching onto the ground like hooks. They make upward and downward traversals easier and less taxing to the foot.

Midsole

Injected Ethylene vinyl acetate foam is the full-length material used in the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8. It delivers reliable underfoot cushioning. It has a moderately springy nature, so it’s comfortable for the wearer’s foot.

Molded EVA has been added to heighten the quality and efficacy of this shoe’s cushioning system. It’s efficient and it doesn’t break down easily.

The ProFeel Film is a thin layer that’s made from TPU. It protects the foot from injurious debris or surfaces, but it doesn’t sacrifice the runner’s perception of the ground.

Upper

The Stretch Air Mesh is a stretchable material that serves as the main fabric of the upper unit. It offers a secure fit that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s foot. It adjusts whenever the foot moves or swells with each step. It’s also breathable.

The medial and lateral sides have the Sensifit construction. It’s a layer that hugs the foot and keeps it in place. Essentially, it prevents the foot from wobbling or slipping while in this running shoe.

The Endofit basically makes the interior sleeve more comfortable to the skin of the wearer. It employs a sock-like fit that’s free from irritation.

A Protective Rubber Toe Cap acts as a shield against rocks, debris and potentially harmful surfaces.

The Quicklace system is utilized in the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8. Kevlar-based strands serve as the actual laces. The runner only needs to pull on the strands once in order to adjust the fit. There’s no more need for traditional tying.